Katherine Gates presents "The Power of Your Thoughts" (now available through AuthorHouse), which continues where her first book, "Reflective Meditation," left off and helps readers gain control over their lives and evolve spiritually through discipline of their thoughts.

"In 'Reflective Meditation' I introduce people to the phrase, 'Say something good or nothing at all.' In 'The Power of Your Thoughts,' I take my readers a step further and ask them to 'think something good or nothing at all,'" says Gates. "The key to gaining control of our lives is to learn to control our emotions and our reactions to whatever life throws at us. To control our emotions, we first must be in control of our thoughts. ... With disciplined thinking we can gain control over our emotions and over the direction of our life."

Gates guides readers through managing their emotions in order to evolve spiritually and help others. "It is time for us as a people to open our eyes and to allow our hearts to move from complacency to compassion," she says. "I want to reach out and encourage people to accept responsibility for our planet, for our environment and for all other people less fortunate than we are. We are all called to be caretakers of planet Earth."

Gates acknowledges that most people seem to want to shrug off personal responsibility, but feels confident that more and more people will rise to the challenge and help change the world. "I do believe that we may be moving into a time when we as a people will not watch while other people live in poverty and hunger," she writes. "I want to encourage ordinary people to wake up and find a way to help, no matter how small."

Gates was born in Birmingham, Ala., and grew up in the Chicago suburbs. Her father was in the military, so the family moved frequently during her childhood. She has traveled throughout the United States, Canada and France. She loves exploring nature, including swimming, hiking and horseback riding. Gates has always had a passion for writing, and began writing poetry and short stories when she was a teenager. She studied psychology at Ohio State University, but left early to get married and continue her writing pursuits. Her mother is her partner in her book business, and she serves as editor, literary agent and cover artist. Other books by Gates include "Reflective Meditation" and "Love, Relationships and Reflective Meditation" (also available through AuthorHouse).